Rheem Power Vent Water Heater Troubleshooting [7+ Easy Solutions]

The most common Rheem Power Vent Water Heater problems that users often encounter are:

• The heater won’t light or not stay lit.
• Not enough or no hot water.
• The water is getting too hot. 
• The heater is making a rumbling noise.
• Popping sound from the relief valve.

Condensation problems and a yellow flame on the heater burner are also the major problems of this water heater.

At times, you may face several errors, blinking on the status light, that would interrupt or stop the heater function completely.

Anyway, while troubleshooting any of the above problems, you need to identify the source of the problem first. Then you have to do a visual inspection of that factor and fix the trouble points by applying the corrective actions.

To do so precisely, go on reading out our comprehensive Rheem power vent water heater troubleshooting guide and get all the quick and effective solutions for each problem.

Rheem Power Vent Water Heater Troubleshooting [7+ Easy Solutions]

In this section, we have explained the most common Rheem water heater problems with all probable reasons and easy solution approaches. 

We can assure you can easily break down any of your heater issues in the shortest time if you will follow our instructions to a T. Scroll down!

Note: You can also read our guide on rheem gladiator water heater troubleshooting.

1. Water Heater Won’t Light Or Stay Light

Several reasons are responsible if you are failing to light up your water heater. A blocked gas line and carbon deposits on the pilot are the major reasons ones of them. 

Plus, a faulty thermocouple or non-operational gas valve would be the culprit as well to blame. In most cases, due to soot buildup in the combustion chamber, defective igniter & faulty pressure switch, the burner will not light or fail to stay lit.

But there is nothing to worry about! You can diagnose the problem by yourself through our suggestions below: 

How To Fix:

• First off, disconnect the pilot light and clean the blockage in the pilot supply tube. Use compressed air for better cleaning.
• If the problem persists after cleaning the pilot tube, be sure the gas valve is faulty and it needs replacement. Also, inspect the vent and ensure it is free from obstructions.  Clean out the combustion chamber as well. 
• In the next step, check the thermocouple to see whether it is loose and adjusted improperly. If so, adjust it.
• Check the igniter and ensure it is getting enough voltage to power up. Also, don’t forget to inspect the pressure switch as the hose might get kinked.
• If all these procedures don’t work, you may be encountering a problem with your gas line. It’s better to contact your gas supplier to inspect your service lines. 

2. Water Is Not Getting Hot Enough

The water heater not getting hot is a common phenomenon that users face often. Setting the thermostat too low or having insufficient gas pressure is the root culprit behind this issue. 

But that’s not all! We have figured out other major reasons why your heater is running out of hot water. Here you go:

• Leaky water tank.
• Faulty heating element.
• Malfunctioning of the gas valve.
• Damaged or displaced dip tube.
• Too much demand at one time.

How To Fix:

Most of the time, raising the thermostat temperature proves like a magical solution in case your heater is not getting hot. Also, make sure there is sufficient gas pressure.

Inspect your water tank bottom for any sediment buildup. Schedule to drain and flush the tank every 4-6 months. If you are suspecting a leaky rank, fix the issue with the help of a professional plumber.  

Next, check the dip tube and ensure it is not damaged or displaced. Check and replace the faulty element as well. Pay attention to the gas valve to see whether it is in working order.

Most importantly, consider using the water heater in manageable ways if it is running through abnormal demands. 

3. Water Is Getting Too Hot

An overheating water heater is a clear indication that either the thermostat temperature is set too high or it may stop operating. Other common reasons that may cause a water heater to overheat are:

• Faulty heating elements.
• Blocked pressure relief valves.
• Higher mineral build-up on the heating element or tank.
• Or, a faulty gas control valve.

As running too much hot water from the shower or faucet is quite risky and may lead to serious scald burns on any of your family members, thus you need to take immediate action.

How To Fix:

Start troubleshooting by checking the set temperature on the thermostat. Lower the temp if it is set too high. Also, inspect and replace the faulty thermostat or gas valve to stop the miscalibration of the temperature.

Next, locate the pressure relief valve near the top of the water heater. Replace the valve if it is obstructed, corroded or broken anyway.

Don’t forget to check both heating elements of your electric water heater as higher chances are they may be broken, causing excessive hot water.

Finally, check your hot water tank for mineral buildup. We recommend you contact a professional technician to deal with this fact precisely.

You have to ensure regular maintenance of your heater to prevent mineral deposits on the tank. 

4. Water Heater Making Rumbling Noise

If you hear an annoying knocking or rumbling noise from your heater, be sure it is occurring from the sediment, trapped underneath the water tank. 

While the water heating process, the water tank always comes in contact with hard-water minerals like calcium and magnesium.

Due to improper maintenance, these rust or other mineral deposits form into sediment particles and settle at the tank bottom. 

When the heater starts, the boiling water escapes the sediment layer and creates rumbling noise. Anyway, the only solution to stop this unpleasant noise is flushing your water tank.

How To Drain And Flush Your Water Heater

Follow our step-by-step guide to drain and flush out the existing sediment in the water heater tank:

Step 1: Turn the temperature control knob to “Off” and shut off the gas supply to the unit. Turn off the cold water supply as well. 

Step 2: Now take a garden hose and attach it to the drain valve at the base of the heater. Turn on the drain valve to drain the remaining water from the tank. It may take 20 to 60 minutes depending on your tank size.

Step 3: Turn on the cold water valve. Let the heater runs for 10 to 20 minutes until you are getting clean water running out of the hose.

Step 4: When you see the water is clear, turn off the drain valve and remove the garden hose. It indicates that all the sediments are removed.

Step 5: Finally, turn on the cold water valve and refill the tank. Restore the gas or power to your heater to start the heating process. Also, turn the gas control knob back on and set your desired temperature. 

5. The Relief Valve Making Popping Noise

The popping sound out of the relief valve is a clear sign of the thermal expansion of the heater to a closed plumbing system. It occurs from the water expands when it is heated at a great volume. 

Due to thermal expansion, excessive pressure builds up in the relief valve and leads to produce popping noise. 

How To Fix:

Thermal expansion is one of the serious plumbing concerns. So, it is highly recommended to contact a water supplier or plumbing contractor to handle this issue. 

From expert suggestions, you can protect your hot water heater system from thermal expansion by the installation of a thermal expansion tank. 

6. Power Vent Water Heater Condensation Problem

Condensation is the most often problem users have to deal with. This happens when you are filling your heater with cold water for the first time or using a lot of hot water at a time. An undersized or oversized water heater is prone to condensation.

Normal condensation from combustion is natural but the problem starts when it happens in a greater amount after a few uses. 

How To Stop Water Heater Condensation

Here are some tips & tricks to prevent condensation from your water heater: 

• First off, you have to ensure proper ventilation in the heater area. Open windows and doors to allow air to enter the room and dissipate water vapor.
• Secondly, turn up the heater temperature if it is set low. Generally, a temperature higher than 115 degrees F lessens the chance of condensation. 
• Thirdly, make sure that the air temperature of the room is not too low. Try to heat up the room as much as possible.
• Always use the correct size of the water heater to prevent condensation for the most part.  

7. Power Vent Water Heater Yellow Flame

Yellow flame on a gas water heater signals that the air is not going to the flame. That means there is not sufficient air getting to the flame, which affects the combustion system as well. 

Scale in the gas burner, blocked venting, clogged burner orifice and tripped thermal switch due to excessive heat build-up are some of the main reasons behind the burner flame with the yellow glow.

How To Solve Yellow Flame On Water Heater

Diagnose the water heater’s yellow flame issue following the below-solving processes:

• First, inspect and clean out the scale from the gas burner.
• Ensure proper ventilation to your heater by unblocking the flue or vent system.
• Check the burner orifice for any clogs. If it is beyond clean, you need to replace the orifice. 
• Finally, clean out the soot in the combustion chamber and flue tube.

Rheem Power Vent Water Heater Error Codes [Quick Solutions]

While operating the water heater, encountering blinking error codes is a common circumstance for users.  The red light blinking on the status light indicates that the heater is going through some major malfunctions and it needs immediate corrective actions.  

But before that, you need to know the exact indication of the appeared error.

Let’s go through the view quick table to know the most common errors, the means of that, and quick-solving procedures. 

Blink Codes	Error Indication	Quick Solutions
One flash, every 3 seconds	Low flame signal	> Correct the gas pressure. > Replace faulty pilot assembly
Two blinks	The pressure switch failed close	> Replace defective pressure switch.
3 blinks	The pressure switch failed open	> Clean the obstructed exhaust & air intake. > Replace the bad pressure switch.
4 blinks	TCO limit lockout	> Reset the gas control valve.> Ensure the water tank is full.
5 blinks	Flame out of sequence	> Replace the bad gas control valve.

6 Easy Tips To Keep Your Power Vent Water Heater Running Efficiently

Water heaters are manufactured to last longer. But the fact depends on how well you are maintaining your heater. On top of that, you will be able to prevent sudden problems with your unit for the most part.

Here are providing a few essential tips that you can maintain to extend the life of your heater unit:

i). Inspect The Venting System

You have to be regular in inspecting the venting system of your heater for obstruction, soot, or deterioration. Ensure proper vent piping installation to prevent the escape of dangerous combustion gases in the unit. 

ii). Maintain The Anode Rod & Blower

Check the anode rod and in case you find the rod less than ½ inch thick or clogged with calcium coated, don’t delay to replace this faulty one. Plus, inspect the blower for any lint deposit that is reducing the efficiency of the motor. 

iii). Test T&P Valve

The T&P valve is the safety device in the heater. Due to residue or sediment build-up, the valve fails to continue its operation. So, always monitor the water flow to ensure optimal performance of the valve and replace the defective one.

iv). Drain & Flush The Water Tank

Must drain and flush your tank every 6 months or at least once a year to keep your heater sediment free. Through this, you can easily prevent the potential problems caused by sediment deposits.

v). Insulate the Heater Pipes

Wrap the water heater with foam pipe insulation. It will keep the unit warmer for a longer time. Also, insulating the heater reduces energy losses by 25%–45% and lets you save up to 7%–16% on water heating costs. 

vi). Adjust The Temperature

If you set the temperature higher, there will be more energy consumption, which will affect your monthly utility bills as well. You can save up to 5% on energy costs by lowering the temperature by every 10 degrees.

FAQ:

Why does my hot water heater turn cold after a few minutes?

If your water heater is suddenly turning cold, be sure the dip tube may go bad. Plus, faulty heating elements, wrong setting of the thermostat, and accumulation of sediment are also some major reasons for this issue. 

Why is the hot water heater not maintaining temperature?

Plumbing system crossover or low water pressure is the major reason why your heater fails to hold temperature. A faulty thermostat, restriction in the hot water flow, and dirty inlet filter screen can also cause water temperature fluctuation. 

What temp should my tankless hot water heater be set at?

From the professional recommendation, you should set the water heater temperature between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The higher temp will enhance the chance of burning and lower than 120 degrees creates a risk for bacterial development. 

To Sum Up!

While operating the water heater, users would face several malfunctions and that’s quite annoying. To deal with the issue, you need to know the exact responsive factors and corresponding solution procedures. 

Throughout our Rheem power vent water heater troubleshooting guidance, we have nicely covered each of the major heater problems with their quick solutions. Hope that it was an informative read for you and you will be able to fix your heater issue effectively.

If still, you have any leftover queries on any fact, do let us know through comments. We will reach out to you with the best solution!